1/9/2017
The University of Georgia's combined efforts with the Athens community emphasizes the diversity of the student and citizen populations. I know it feels like colleges "adopt" towns, but I feel like Athens and UGA work together perfectly. Through UGA, I've been able to provide service to the Athens area through volunteer programs and have met residents besides fellow peers. The distinction between millennial college students, professors, and long-time Athens community members is interesting. The dissimilarities of values are evident, yet passion for this place we all call home is indistinguishable.
1/10/2017
I've been pondering this recently. Because it happens quite frequently. But racial slurs are thrown around casually too often. Especially at parties. Particularly with boys. Song lyrics are acceptable, I assume. Yet when you refer to your friend this way, I think it is ignorant. And I would never participate. But also I don't correct them. So is that just as bad?
1/17/2017
In my Civil Rights movement class, we are discussing the case of Emmett Till. A young boy was beaten and disfigured for whistling at a white woman in a convenience store in the deep south. This took place in 1955, post WWII and the Double V campaign. I had never heard of this case before now, but it's terrifying how it parallels many cases we've endured the past few years- Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and many more. This scares me how it only appears that we have come so far, when in reality society is no better than we were more than fifty years ago.
1/23/2017
Marches were organized in nearly every major city following the inauguration. Apparently in comparison to Obama's inauguration attendance of over 400,000, President Donald Trump only had 10,000 people attend. Celebrities boycotted the inauguration. President Trump preemptively said he did not want them there anyway (realizing how low their attendance would be anyway). I know girls who drove all the way to D.C. to March- an incredible experience I wish I participated in. I was in shock when I saw the running election results after watching a movie with my sister at a local theater in Athens called Cine. They were having a showing of the live results. Now I can only hope that President Trump will prove me wrong.
1/30/2017
The other day, one of my roommates mentioned a woman at an airport attempted suicide after being told about her imminent deportation. It is terrifying to think that people feel like there is no alternative. This should be addressed by President Trump. No one should feel like the only other option that have besides being deported is to remove themselves from our world entirely. Additionally, the other day another one of my roommates revealed that she believes anyone who has been living in America for over ten years and can't speak English, should learn. I disagree. Everyone has the right to live their life the way they want to, Being in America does not mean you need to conform to those around you for the sake of their comfort.
2/6/2017
Apparently Trump's infamous wall is in the process of getting designed right now. I really thought the wall was on Trump's agenda purely for shock value and would not be actually implemented. The other day, my mom was telling me about how she was walking a talk show (maybe "The Talk") and one of the hosts of is Hispanic said there are so many other ways to get into America other than above ground. It sounded like a system of underground tunnels are available. I think EVERYONE has the right to call America home. The wall will be a physical and spiritual barrier that needs to be opposed for the sake of our relationships with foreign nations and relationships between cultures within our own country.
Studies show that when a student's teacher displays racial bias the student may be less likely to trust authority figures. The student may even be dissuaded from continuing their education. In the first video on this CNN article page, a woman who is mixed says when she was in elementary school, her teacher was trying to determine if she was black or white. He told her "You know what; you're a smart kid; I'm going to check white." At first she was flattered. Any child being told they were smart would be. Later she realized the extent of his comment. Now she realizes that a more appropriate response would have been to tell this teacher that her intelligence isn't based on what race she is. This woman's experience angers me. I have never had to experience something like this, but I know no one's education should be compromised because of an ignorant teacher's bigotry.
2/20/2017
I remember talking to my friend about San Francisco one day during high school. Her mom worked at a college doing research in San Francisco during the summer. When I asked what she thought about the city, she explained she would never want to live there. She doesn't like how liberal the city is and even mentioned the amount of gays who flaunted their sexual orientation. I know she is a traditional Baptist who does not believe in gay marriage but how disturbed she was startled me. I would love to visit San Francisco and even live there. People who are true and passionate to their beliefs inspires me to be conscious of what I love myself. Love is Love.
A Maryland high school had posters with a woman wearing an American flag hijab with the caption "We the people are greater than fear." The posters were taken down due controversy questioning if the posters were anti-trump or pro-diversity. It seemed to promote the anti-trump, women rallies across the country. The students argued that the posters weren't meant to be political propaganda. One of the students is quoted as saying "Diversity is a bipartisan issue." I completely agree. A poster concerning diversity does not imply left or right wing politics, it means our country as a whole should be advocates of diversity!
Considering the topic of Extremities, I chose an article related to rape and diversity within that. International Women's day is on March 8th. An all-women panel discussed rape and forgiveness in honor of this day approaching. The panel includes women from around the world. Rape is the crime that goes the most unreported, and one in five women have experienced sexual violence. Rape and sexual abuse happen to women of all races and cultures. Survivors chose different ways to cope. In Extremities, Marjorie wants a confession and won't settle for anything less. Some women confront their attackers. Many try to forget what occurred. It is difficult to say that in one country sexual violence is more common than In another because women are equally affected around the world.
I have a friend who told me La La Land whitewashes jazz, and although I don't completely agree with that statement, I didn't enjoy La La Land as much as I thought I would. I haven't seen Moonlight yet, but I want to see it soon. The plot intrigues me. I thought I'd be ecstatic about Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's performances in La La Land, but I left the move unsatisfied. Moonlight's story intrigues me and I think the problem I had with La La Land is it was too conventional. The music was beautiful, and the cinematography was lovely, but Moonlight is something I've been waiting to see for a long time, and I know I will feel quite different after watching it.
Vogue recently released a diversity issue for February. The cover features iconic models like Ashley Graham (the only plus-sized model pictured) and Imaam Hammam. The magazine was slammed for all of the models being very thin besides Graham, and all of the models have lighter skin. Their bodies are also said to have been photoshopped. But despite these controversies, Liu Wen is the first Asian woman to be on Vogue's cover. There are definitely pros and cons to this magazine cover.
Although the Marvel VP says that Marvel does not agree with excluding diversity from its image, he said Marvel's audience lets sales slump when a woman, diversity, or new character is featured. The article's personal opinion says that this is very ignorant of the VP because Marvel's sales have been down for a long period of time. The introduction of diverse or female characters isn't the reason for this. I agree with the article's writer. DC is releasing a Wonder Woman movie. I know a huge audience who is interested to see that. Also, I am not a huge fan of superhero movies, but I am definitely seeing this one.
There is controversy over Gucci's latest campaign and whether or not it can be considered cultural appropriation. The ads for 2017 pre-fall line feature all African American dancers busting a move wearing retro outfits. But the article mentions there is either something missing or off. Gucci is trying to capture 1960's soul. But why would this be considered cultural appropriation? One reason is that while they are attempting to portray soul, they have the dancers moving to Frankie Vallie, an obviously not soul performer. The Times argues that this isn't soul and portraying it as such is inauthentic and offensive.
This article from The World Net Daily says that colleges are having faculty pledge a commitment to diversity. Students are expected to adhere to this in order to maintain a healthier, more accepting environment for all students. This statement encourages and promotes diversity and scholars that do not adhere will be out of a job.
The University of Georgia's combined efforts with the Athens community emphasizes the diversity of the student and citizen populations. I know it feels like colleges "adopt" towns, but I feel like Athens and UGA work together perfectly. Through UGA, I've been able to provide service to the Athens area through volunteer programs and have met residents besides fellow peers. The distinction between millennial college students, professors, and long-time Athens community members is interesting. The dissimilarities of values are evident, yet passion for this place we all call home is indistinguishable.
1/10/2017
I've been pondering this recently. Because it happens quite frequently. But racial slurs are thrown around casually too often. Especially at parties. Particularly with boys. Song lyrics are acceptable, I assume. Yet when you refer to your friend this way, I think it is ignorant. And I would never participate. But also I don't correct them. So is that just as bad?
1/17/2017
In my Civil Rights movement class, we are discussing the case of Emmett Till. A young boy was beaten and disfigured for whistling at a white woman in a convenience store in the deep south. This took place in 1955, post WWII and the Double V campaign. I had never heard of this case before now, but it's terrifying how it parallels many cases we've endured the past few years- Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and many more. This scares me how it only appears that we have come so far, when in reality society is no better than we were more than fifty years ago.
1/23/2017
Marches were organized in nearly every major city following the inauguration. Apparently in comparison to Obama's inauguration attendance of over 400,000, President Donald Trump only had 10,000 people attend. Celebrities boycotted the inauguration. President Trump preemptively said he did not want them there anyway (realizing how low their attendance would be anyway). I know girls who drove all the way to D.C. to March- an incredible experience I wish I participated in. I was in shock when I saw the running election results after watching a movie with my sister at a local theater in Athens called Cine. They were having a showing of the live results. Now I can only hope that President Trump will prove me wrong.
1/30/2017
The other day, one of my roommates mentioned a woman at an airport attempted suicide after being told about her imminent deportation. It is terrifying to think that people feel like there is no alternative. This should be addressed by President Trump. No one should feel like the only other option that have besides being deported is to remove themselves from our world entirely. Additionally, the other day another one of my roommates revealed that she believes anyone who has been living in America for over ten years and can't speak English, should learn. I disagree. Everyone has the right to live their life the way they want to, Being in America does not mean you need to conform to those around you for the sake of their comfort.
2/6/2017
Apparently Trump's infamous wall is in the process of getting designed right now. I really thought the wall was on Trump's agenda purely for shock value and would not be actually implemented. The other day, my mom was telling me about how she was walking a talk show (maybe "The Talk") and one of the hosts of is Hispanic said there are so many other ways to get into America other than above ground. It sounded like a system of underground tunnels are available. I think EVERYONE has the right to call America home. The wall will be a physical and spiritual barrier that needs to be opposed for the sake of our relationships with foreign nations and relationships between cultures within our own country.
2/13/2017
Source:
http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/10/health/racial-bias-teachers-schools-study/index.html
Studies show that when a student's teacher displays racial bias the student may be less likely to trust authority figures. The student may even be dissuaded from continuing their education. In the first video on this CNN article page, a woman who is mixed says when she was in elementary school, her teacher was trying to determine if she was black or white. He told her "You know what; you're a smart kid; I'm going to check white." At first she was flattered. Any child being told they were smart would be. Later she realized the extent of his comment. Now she realizes that a more appropriate response would have been to tell this teacher that her intelligence isn't based on what race she is. This woman's experience angers me. I have never had to experience something like this, but I know no one's education should be compromised because of an ignorant teacher's bigotry.
2/20/2017
I remember talking to my friend about San Francisco one day during high school. Her mom worked at a college doing research in San Francisco during the summer. When I asked what she thought about the city, she explained she would never want to live there. She doesn't like how liberal the city is and even mentioned the amount of gays who flaunted their sexual orientation. I know she is a traditional Baptist who does not believe in gay marriage but how disturbed she was startled me. I would love to visit San Francisco and even live there. People who are true and passionate to their beliefs inspires me to be conscious of what I love myself. Love is Love.
2/27/2017
Source:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/education/wp/2017/02/23/maryland-high-schoolers-plan-protest-after-posters-promoting-diversity-are-removed/?utm_term=.5aa2b7d553ae
A Maryland high school had posters with a woman wearing an American flag hijab with the caption "We the people are greater than fear." The posters were taken down due controversy questioning if the posters were anti-trump or pro-diversity. It seemed to promote the anti-trump, women rallies across the country. The students argued that the posters weren't meant to be political propaganda. One of the students is quoted as saying "Diversity is a bipartisan issue." I completely agree. A poster concerning diversity does not imply left or right wing politics, it means our country as a whole should be advocates of diversity!
3/6/2017
Spring Break
3/13/2017
Source:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-07/q&a-talks-rape-and-forgiveness-with-all-women-panel/8329914
Considering the topic of Extremities, I chose an article related to rape and diversity within that. International Women's day is on March 8th. An all-women panel discussed rape and forgiveness in honor of this day approaching. The panel includes women from around the world. Rape is the crime that goes the most unreported, and one in five women have experienced sexual violence. Rape and sexual abuse happen to women of all races and cultures. Survivors chose different ways to cope. In Extremities, Marjorie wants a confession and won't settle for anything less. Some women confront their attackers. Many try to forget what occurred. It is difficult to say that in one country sexual violence is more common than In another because women are equally affected around the world.
3/19/2017
http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/27/entertainment/moonlight-wins-best-picture-oscar-flub/
I have a friend who told me La La Land whitewashes jazz, and although I don't completely agree with that statement, I didn't enjoy La La Land as much as I thought I would. I haven't seen Moonlight yet, but I want to see it soon. The plot intrigues me. I thought I'd be ecstatic about Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's performances in La La Land, but I left the move unsatisfied. Moonlight's story intrigues me and I think the problem I had with La La Land is it was too conventional. The music was beautiful, and the cinematography was lovely, but Moonlight is something I've been waiting to see for a long time, and I know I will feel quite different after watching it.
3/26/2017
http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/09/us/vogue-diverse-cover-trnd/
Vogue recently released a diversity issue for February. The cover features iconic models like Ashley Graham (the only plus-sized model pictured) and Imaam Hammam. The magazine was slammed for all of the models being very thin besides Graham, and all of the models have lighter skin. Their bodies are also said to have been photoshopped. But despite these controversies, Liu Wen is the first Asian woman to be on Vogue's cover. There are definitely pros and cons to this magazine cover.
4/3/2017
http://io9.gizmodo.com/marvel-vp-blames-women-and-diversity-for-sales-slump-1793921500
Although the Marvel VP says that Marvel does not agree with excluding diversity from its image, he said Marvel's audience lets sales slump when a woman, diversity, or new character is featured. The article's personal opinion says that this is very ignorant of the VP because Marvel's sales have been down for a long period of time. The introduction of diverse or female characters isn't the reason for this. I agree with the article's writer. DC is releasing a Wonder Woman movie. I know a huge audience who is interested to see that. Also, I am not a huge fan of superhero movies, but I am definitely seeing this one.
4/10/2017
__https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/17/fashion/gucci-black-models-diversity.html?_r=0__
There is controversy over Gucci's latest campaign and whether or not it can be considered cultural appropriation. The ads for 2017 pre-fall line feature all African American dancers busting a move wearing retro outfits. But the article mentions there is either something missing or off. Gucci is trying to capture 1960's soul. But why would this be considered cultural appropriation? One reason is that while they are attempting to portray soul, they have the dancers moving to Frankie Vallie, an obviously not soul performer. The Times argues that this isn't soul and portraying it as such is inauthentic and offensive.
4/17/2017
http://www.wnd.com/2017/04/colleges-require-scholars-pledge-commitment-to-diversity/
This article from The World Net Daily says that colleges are having faculty pledge a commitment to diversity. Students are expected to adhere to this in order to maintain a healthier, more accepting environment for all students. This statement encourages and promotes diversity and scholars that do not adhere will be out of a job.